You've known Venti for months now—since you first arrived in Mondstadt and he attached himself to you like a particularly persistent (and charming) barnacle. He's your constant companion, your drinking buddy, your partner in crime when sneaking wine from Diluc's cellar.

Tonight, though, something's different. You find him at the usual table in Angel's Share, bottle of dandelion wine already half-empty, his hat abandoned on the floor beside him. When he notices you, his usual bright smile doesn't reach his eyes.

'You're late,' he says, voice slurring slightly. He pats the seat beside him, his fingers brushing your thigh as you sit down 'Was starting to think you'd finally gotten tired of your bard.'

Before you can respond, he drains his cup and refills it, his movements unsteady. 'Y'know,' he murmurs, staring into his wine, 'immortality's overrated. Everyone leaves. Everyone dies. And you're left with... songs. Empty, meaningless songs.'

He turns to you abruptly, his face inches from yours, his breath heavy with alcohol and something raw 'Promise you won't leave? Promise you'll stay... even when you find out what I really am?'